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The Copper Age (3500 – 2300 BC)

The most recent phase of the Central European Neolithic period is also known as the Copper age to distinguish it from the older phases of the Neolithic characterized by a purely agriculture way of life. During the Copper Age humans discovered metal as a raw material for fashioning tools, weapons and jewellery. This ushered in a period of social change. The mining and working copper gave rise to new occupations and social groups and to a social hierarchy. At the top of the social elite were the warriors, who protected their village communities. Trade in copper and copper objects fostered far-reaching cultural contacts.